Cubicle curtains

ABSTRACT

A cubicle curtain ( 10 ) for use in healthcare environments, the curtain comprising a panel ( 20 ), the panel having an upper edge ( 14 ), a lower edge ( 16 ) and substantially parallel side edges ( 18, 20 ) a plurality of fold lines ( 26 ) located between the upper and lower edges, a plurality of glider members ( 36 ) mounted to the panel and extending from the upper edge, each glider member comprising an elongate member including a head adapted for location in a channel of a curtain track and wherein the panel is treated with a biocidal formulation.

The present invention relates to curtains and in particular, though not exclusively, to a disposable cubicle curtain for the healthcare environment.

In hospitals, surgeries and other healthcare environments, beds or cubicles are typically screened off from each other. The earliest screening used hinged metal frames upon which a fabric was sewn. These screens were difficult to move and even more difficult to keep clean, as the fabric was not easily removable or replaceable. It is now more common to use curtain poles or tracks suspended from the ceiling. The poles/tracks mark out bays or cubicles which require to be screened off.

The simplest arrangement uses circular hoops slid onto a horizontally mounted cylindrical pole. A curtain is hung from the hoops by making the hoops as split rings and forming holes towards an upper end of the curtain through which the rings attach. Most people will recognise this as the type of curtain arrangement used for showers and bathroom changing cubicles. These hoop arrangements have a number of disadvantages particularly for healthcare use. The upper surface of the pole gathers dirt quickly thus the pole requires regular cleaning and poses a health risk. The hoops are prone to sticking on the pole and as a result the curtains are easily torn as all the weight of the curtain is borne by the thin width of curtain material above each hole. Further changing of a curtain is cumbersome as the old curtain must be removed from each of the hoops and a new curtain then fixed thereon. Additionally, due to the distances covered by these curtains around cubicles, they take up a lot of space when pulled back unless they are tied, again requiring additionally fixings and/or materials.

Current cubicle curtain arrangements have overcome a number of these problems by providing a track whose upper surface attaches to the ceiling, thus removing the place for dirt to settle. The track has an internal channel in which are arranged rollers or gliders. These are typically nylon components having two wheels or a swivel to ‘run along’ an internal surface of the track. This helps prevent sticking of the curtain. These rollers/gliders are of two part construction with an upper set of wheels or swivel and a lower hook to suspend from the track. The holes of the curtain can be located over the hooks for ease of placement and removal. Disadvantages of these arrangements are that the rollers must be pulled in line with the channel in the track or they are apt to stick. The hooks or their connection point to the roller/glider are prone to breakage as the weight of the curtain bears down on these and they take the force when the curtain sticks. The curtains may also tear at the holes. As the hooks are not designed for individual replacement, either the entire track must be emptied of rollers/gliders to replace the broken ones, or you see operators trying to use curtains held by only a few hooks. Such curtains held by a few hooks are unsightly particularly when the curtain is pushed to one end of the track for storage.

A further disadvantage of the prior art screening systems is that the curtains are typically made of a nylon or plastic. These require special cleaning, particularly when used in a healthcare environment, and cannot be washed in standard laundry facilities. In many places, the cleaning of such curtains is overlooked and, as they are constantly handled, they become a prime site for cross contamination between patients.

Furthermore, in many cases the track dictates the type of runners on the curtain. If different curtains are to be used then this often requires the track itself to be adapted.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cubicle curtain which mitigates or obviates many of the disadvantages of prior art cubicle curtain systems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cubicle curtain for use in healthcare environments, the curtain comprising a panel, the panel having an upper edge, a lower edge and substantially parallel side edges, a plurality of fold lines located between the upper and lower edges, a plurality of glider members attached to the panel and extending from the upper edge, each glider member comprising an elongate member including a head adapted for location in a channel of a curtain track and wherein the panel is treated with a biocidal formulation.

Preferably, the glider members are mounted to the panel and in this way the curtain provides a one-piece construction, which is connected directly to the track. This removes the requirements of hooks (or split rings) and the forming of holes in the curtain material.

The glider members can be attached to the panel by any suitable means such as heat welding, snap fastening or snap fit means.

Furthermore, the glider members may be pivotally mounted to the panel such that they are capable of pivoting in a plane which is coplanar with the panel itself.

Alternatively the gliders can be attached permanently to the panel but are not integral therewith.

Preferably, the curtain is pleated by use of the fold lines. The pleats may be of substantially equal depth so that the curtain hangs in a neatly folded configuration when not in use.

It is most preferred that the biocidal formulation comprises one or more of anti-microbials, anti-bacterials, anti-virals or the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, a glider member is located on each pleat. A glider member may be located at the same position on each pleat which may be centrally located, to allow the curtain to hang uniformly from the track. Preferably the glider is permanently bonded to the panel. In an embodiment the glider is a plastic or other suitable material which is heat welded to the panel or other form of attachment.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, a glider member is located on a plurality of the pleats of the panel, or every second pleat or variations thereof.

Preferably, the elongate member is cylindrical so as to aid passage of the glider in the channel of the track. Advantageously, the head is rounded so that the head may swivel in the channel and thereby prevent sticking. A rounded head will also allow the curtain to be used with a number of different channel sizes. In an embodiment, the head is substantially elliptical in cross section to provide an increased surface for contact with the bearing surface of the channel.

The panel may be manufactured from a polypropylene material. More preferably, the material is recyclable. Advantageously, the panel is treated, coated and/or impregnated with a biocidal formulation which contains anti-microbial chemicals, antibacterials and/or antiviral. In this way the curtain assists in preventing cross contamination. By biocidal we mean a chemical substance or substances which kill(s) living cells or organisms. Such organisms include cellular or multi-cellular prokaryotes or eukaryotes and include non-cellular nucleic acid containing infective agents such as viruses.

The curtain may further include one or more labels attached thereon, the labels providing an indication of the date of first use of the curtain. In this way the curtain may be disposable so that cross-contamination may be further prevented by the regulated replacement of a curtain. Yet further, the curtain may include a storage cover, wherein the storage cover seals the curtain from contamination prior to use.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a curtain according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view through a cross section of a curtain track illustrating the arrangement of a glider head of the curtain of FIG. 1 in a channel of a curtain track;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the curtain of FIG. 1 including a storage bag ready for use;

FIG. 4 a is a front view of a glide member according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 b is a side view of the glide member of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5 a is a front view of a glide member according to a further aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 b is a side view of the glide member of FIG. 5 a.

Reference is initially made to FIG. 1 of the drawings which illustrates a curtain, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Curtain 10 comprises a panel 12 which is rectangular in shape having an upper edge 14, a lower edge 16, and side edges 18, 20 respectively. The panel 12 also provides opposing surfaces 22, 24. The surfaces 22, 24 are plain, flat and clear of any pattern or ridges which could provide a surface upon which dirt could settle. The panel 12 is made from a polypropylene material though other suitable materials may be known to those skilled in the art. Such a panel 12 requires no special finishing so that hems or edging of the material are not required. This presents a panel which is cheap to manufacture and advantageously can contain no edging, lips, horizontal folds or ledges upon which dirt or other matter could settle.

Panel 12 is treated with a flame retardant as is known in the art. Current standards require the treatment to meet B.S.5867: part 2:1980: Type B or C, using test method B.S.5438:1976: test 2. The polypropylene material can be treated to this standard without compromising the surfaces 22, 24. The panel 12 is also treated, coated and/or impregnated with a biocidal formulation which may include, for example, anti-microbial chemicals. The use of polypropylene allows the curtain to be formed of a recyclable material making it environmentally friendly.

Arranged vertically on the panel 12 are fold lines 26. These lines 26 are arranged between the upper edge 14 and the lower edge 16. The panel 12 is folded along each fold line 26. Each fold 28 is opposite to an adjacent fold 30, so that a linear array of pleats 32 is formed in the panel 12. The depth of each pleat 32 is identical so that a rectangular panel 34 covers the stack of pleats 32 when the curtain 10 is closed together. In this way, the curtain 10 takes up a small distance when pushed closed and also has a neat appearance in this arrangement. While pleats 32 of equal depth are illustrated, it will be appreciated that variable widths and depths may be used to achieve the same or similar effect.

The fold line referred to above is not a line of curvature but a sharp angle point that can be flattened to 180 degrees. Further the fold line according to the present invention defines a point at which the curtain will fold rather than a curve which defines a plurality of angles and therefore does not fold consistently in the same place.

Located at the upper edge 14 on each alternate pleat is a glide member comprising a connector 36. Connector 36 is best seen with the aid of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates a connector 36 extending from the upper edge 14 of curtain 10. Like parts to those of FIG. 1 have been given the same reference numeral for ease of interpretation. Connector 36 comprises a body 38 and a head 40. Body 38 is generally cylindrical but may have a flat face (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) to provide a planar-to-planar attachment surface between the connector 36 and the surface 22 of the panel 12. The connector 36 is affixed with a permanent bond to the surface 22 by heat welding or other form of attachment. The connector 36 is of a plastic material to achieve this. Other materials for the connector 36 may be selected but for speed and cheapness of manufacture, a plastic capable of being heat welded is favoured.

The connector includes a head 40, which is typically rounded with a lower engaging surface 42. The lower engaging surface 42 is formed from the creation of a neck 44 or narrowed portion on the elongate body 38. The length of the neck 44 is made sufficiently long to clear a thickness of the lower walls 46 of a curtain track 48.

In FIGS. 4 and 5 the connector comprises a generally cylindrical body 38 but having a flat surface 39 at the end remote from the head 40. Such assists in providing a larger surface area to bond with the panel. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the flat portion is circular in shape and extends upwards at one point to form the neck 44. However, in an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, an aperture 41 is located through the centre of the flat circular portion and the curtain bonded thereto, to allow for alternative uses of the curtain where a curtain rod can be fed through said aperture as a means of hanging said curtain should a track not be available. In such a case the cylindrical portion 38 along with the head 40 can be “snapped off” from the flat portion if desired.

It will be appreciated that curtain track 48 is of commonly available design. Makes such as Silent Gliss™ and Movatrack™ are known in the healthcare environment and typically comprise a track 48, including a channel 50 located at an underside 52. The channel 50 is bounded by opposing walls 46 a,b, arranged to provide opposing ledges 54 a,b against which a swivel, roller or other member may rest. In the present invention an underside 56 of the head 40 rests against the ledges 54 a,b. A space is also provided between the head 40 and the upper edge 14 of the curtain 10 so that the panel 12 does not interfere with the track 48 when the curtain 10 is in place.

While a rounded head 40 is illustrated, it will be appreciated that any size of head 40 which both gives adequate clearance inside the channel 50 and provides a sufficient surface 56 to be supported by the curtain ledge 54 will be suitable. A rounded head 40 and a cylindrical body 8 provide advantages in allowing the panel 12 to rotate relative to the top of the track 48 without the head 40 of the curtain 10 sticking in the channel 50.

In use, a panel 12 is treated to meet the fire retardation requirements. Gliders 36 are heat welded or otherwise attached to an upper edge 14 of the panel 12 so that a sufficient distance of glider 36 is against the surface 22 of the panel 12 and a sufficient length of the body 38 extends perpendicular to and from the upper edge 14. The gliders 36 are spaced equidistantly along the upper edge 14 and connected so as to freely support the panel 12 when suspended therefrom without tearing the material of the panel 12. The material is then treated, coated and/or impregnated with an anti-microbial agent. The panel 12 is folded along the fold-lines 26 to form pleats 32. This concertina effect reduces the curtain to a single pleat width 34. Labels, 56 are affixed to either end pleat 34. Each label provides a space to insert a date mark. The date mark may be used to indicate when a curtain 10 is installed or hung, but may equally be used to provide a date when the curtain 10 should be replaced. A tie back may also be mounted to either end pleat 34 such that when the curtains are pushed back when not in use, regardless of their direction around the track, they can be tied back out of the way.

Once folded and labelled the curtain 10 is placed in a clear polythene bag 58. This is illustrated in FIG. 3, where reference numerals to those of the earlier figures have been used to aid clarity. In this way, the curtain 10 is protected from exposure before use and also displays the label 56 with possible instructions for use. The bag 58 may provide a sterile environment for the curtain 10, if the curtain 10 has been prepared in such conditions. In this way the curtain 10 may find use in intensive care and theatre units within hospitals and healthcare institutes.

When ready to be used, the curtain 10 is removed from the bag 58. The heads 40 of the gliders 36 are fed into the channel 50 of a curtain track 48. This simple sliding action mounts the curtain 10 quickly and efficiently.

When the curtain is not required it can be pushed along the track 48 until the heads 40 meet. In this arrangement the curtain 10 falls neatly into pleats 32 and presents a single compact panel 34, which can rest unobtrusively against a wall. When required the curtain 10 is pulled along the track 48. Surface 56 of the head 40 glides over the inner surface 46 of the channel 50 to extend the curtain 10 and so provide screening around a cubicle or bed.

When an expiry date of the curtain 10 is reached or it becomes dirty and is deemed to be in need of replacement, the gliders are slid from the channel 50. The curtain 10 along with the gliders mounted thereon is then disposed of and a fresh replacement curtain is installed. Due to the plastic materials from which the panel and gliders are made the curtain is totally recyclable, thereby having a favourable impact on the amount of waste normally generated by hospitals and such like.

A principle advantage of the present invention is that it provides a disposable cubicle curtain which is easily locatable on known curtain tracks and removes the requirement of locating the curtain on hooks.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a one-piece structure wherein the curtain is supported by the gliders and so less prone to tearing.

A yet further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a cubicle curtain which, allows for a fast turnaround for replacing curtains and, as there are no hooks or split rings, replacement of these parts is mitigated also. Furthermore, adaptation of existing cubicle curtain tracks is not required.

Various modifications may be made to the invention herein described without departing from the scope thereof. For example, while gliders having simple moulded rounded heads are described, the heads may be of a flexible material to allow them to be push-fitted into and off of the track. This would speed up the installation and removal of the curtain and remove the requirement of having a removable stop at an end of the curtain track. Yet further, while a plastic material has been selected for the glider, self lubricating materials may be used which are affixed to the body so that the curtain moves more freely in the channel. Yet further the curtain and packaging may be radiation or heat treatable so that the curtain is provided in a sterile condition for usage in intensive care and hospital beds in intense medical environments. 

1. A disposable cubicle curtain for use in healthcare environments, the curtain comprising a single panel including a formulation selected from a biocidal formulation, an anti-microbial formulation, an anti-bacterial formulation and an anti-viral formulation, said panel having an upper edge, a lower edge and substantially parallel side edges, a plurality of fold lines located between the upper and lower edges, and a plurality of glider members permanently bonded and mounted to the panel and extending from the upper edge, each glider member comprising an elongate member including a head adapted for location in a channel of a curtain track such that the curtain provides a one-piece construction for connection directly to a new or existing track.
 2. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 1 wherein the curtain is pleated by use of the fold lines.
 3. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 2 wherein the pleats are of substantially equal depth so that the curtain hangs in a neatly folded configuration when not in use.
 4. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 2 wherein a glider member is located on each or every other pleat.
 5. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 4 wherein the glider member is located at the same position on each or every other pleat.
 6. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 5 wherein the glider is centrally located to allow the curtain to hang uniformly from the track.
 7. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 1 wherein the elongate member is cylindrical so as to aid passage of the glider in the channel of the track.
 8. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 7 wherein the head of the elongate member is rounded so that the head may swivel in the channel and thereby prevent sticking.
 9. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 7 wherein the head of the elongate member is substantially elliptical in cross section to provide an increased surface for contact with the channel.
 10. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 1 wherein the panel is manufactured from a polypropylene material.
 11. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 10 wherein the panel is treated with a flame retardant coating.
 12. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 1 wherein the curtain is provided in combination with a storage cover.
 13. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 12 wherein the storage cover seals the curtain from contamination prior to use.
 14. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 1 wherein the glider members are attached to the panel by an attachment means selected from heat welding, snap fastening and snap fitting.
 15. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 14 wherein the glider members are pivotally mounted to the panel such that they are capable of pivoting in a plane which is coplanar with the panel itself.
 16. A disposable cubicle curtain according to claim 14 wherein the glider members are attached permanently to the panel but are not integral therewith. 